Comparison of single-dose vs one-week course of metronidazole for symptomatic bacterial vaginosis

Authors:
  • JSJay Swedberg
    Jay Swedberg
  • JSJoseph F. Steiner
    Joseph F. Steiner
  • FDFrederick Deiss
    Frederick Deiss
  • SSSusan Steiner
    Susan Steiner
  • DDDavid A. Driggers
    David A. Driggers
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Abstract
In a prospective, single-blind, randomized study, a single 2-g dose of metronidazole was compared with a seven-day course of 500 mg given twice daily in the treatment of symptomatic vaginal discharge associated withGardnerella vaginalis. Based on resolution of symptoms and on cultures negative forG vaginalis, 86% (40/46) of women treated with the single dose and 97% (35/36) of women treated with the seven-day course were considered cured at seven to ten days after treatment. Evaluation at 21 days after treatment, however, indicated that only 46% (16/34) of patients treated with the single 2-g dose were considered cured compared with 86% (26/30) of those treated with the seven-day course. Treatment of sexual contacts did not significantly improve cure rates in either group. (JAMA1985;254:1046-1049)